That’s all, folks.
Dusty Baker is retiring as manager of the Astros, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Baker had hinted at walking away on Monday night after the Astros lost Game 7 of the ALCS to the Texas Rangers, 11-4.
According to Nightengale, Baker gave Astros owner Jim Crane his decision on Tuesday, and a press conference is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Thursday at Minute Maid Park.
“I’m very grateful and thankful to Jim Crane and the Houston Astros for giving me this opportunity, and to win a championship,’’ Baker told USA TODAY Sports. “I felt like they’ve been good for me, and I’ve been good for them.”
Nightengale reports Baker wants to remain involved in the game in an advisory role with the Astros or an MLB club near his home in Sacramento, Calif.
The 74-year-old has been Houston’s manager since 2020 and has managed five total teams across 26 seasons.
Baker’s managing career began in 1993 with the Giants when San Francisco won 103 games to spark a 10-year run with the organization that included a World Series appearance — and loss — in 2002.
He left for the Cubs that offseason, and he managed four years in Chicago, followed by six in Cincinnati and two in Washington before taking over the Astros amid the fallout from their sign-stealing scandal.
Two years later, Baker had his first – and only — World Series title as a skipper.
